The Samoa Tourism Exchange (S.T.E) 2016 was officially launched last night by the Minister of Tourism, Lautafi Fio Purcell, during a reception at the Samoa Cultural Village Fale.

In attendance was Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, Cabinet Ministers, Associate Ministers, Heads of Ministries, members of the tourism industry and members of the business community.

The reception was also held to welcome trade and media representatives from Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa, Fiji, China, South Korea, Canada, USA, Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom who will be meeting with local operators for product updates, selling tips and experience properties for themselves.

Liang Dong, Chris Yangfan, Shui Hejie

The Samoa Tourism Exchange is an annual conference for the stakeholders to discuss important tourism topics.

“Since 2011 it has become an annual dedicated business to business event for the travel and hospitality industry,” said Lautafi.

“It has expanded to becoming one of the major tourism exchanges in the South Pacific region. It is also a chance for Samoa’s growing industry to discuss and enhance business partnerships with key overseas travelers, trade and media.”

“This year also has a record of 59 travel and trade media representatives with invested interest in Samoa’s tourism products who have registered to participate in the S.T.E 2016.”

The S.T.E is also proof of Samoa’s push for excellence stated in the Tourism Forum 2016 last month.

Wendy Booth, Chris Martin, Chris Booth, Felina Wright

“This year has been widely promoted as ‘visit Samoa 2016’ and we will continue to make each year a special year following our public and private sector partnership commitment in striving for excellence to deliver premium experiences that will exceed expectations,” Lautafi said.

“We continue to thank all our buyers and sellers for travel holidays to our beautiful Samoa, and for accepting our invitation to the S.T.E 2016.

“We would also like to hear from you on how we are going to improve our products and what else Samoa can do to ensure your clientele satisfaction.”